Outdoor areas of Australian residential aged care facilities do not facilitate appropriate sun exposure.

Conclusions The physical environment of the outdoor areas of residential aged care facilities was associated with their use for sunlight exposure. Suitably designed or modified spaces have the potential to encourage their greater use, and residential aged care facilities should also plan regular activities in those areas. These measures can facilitate safe sun exposure, as well as physical activity and social interaction in older people. What is known about the topic? Older people living in aged care facilities have inadequate outdoor sun exposure and vitamin D deficiency. The outdoor spaces of aged care facilities are not well used by residents. Design features that encourage greater use of outdoor spaces have been identified. What does this paper add? Participation rates in a trial of outdoor sun exposure in residents of aged care facilities were found to be higher in those facilities with better design features in their outdoor spaces. Most facilities do not schedule their regular activities outdoors. What are the implications for practitioners? Suitable design or modification of outdoor spaces of residential aged care facilities can encourage their greater use. Regular scheduling of leisure and social activities can further promote their utilisation. PMID: 25725502 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Australian Health Review - Category: Hospital Management Authors: Tags: Aust Health Rev Source Type: research